Replace caulk around the bottom of the three-piece tub surround when there are signs of mold, such as discoloration, or the caulk begins to pull away from the surround or the tub surface. Measure the location of the fixtures on the wall and duplicate their position on the cardboard piece. Most likely, you'll need to remove the nails or screws that hold the drywall to the wall studs. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Short roofing nails with large heads work well for this. If you feel an open area, expect a slip-fit spout, secured to copper pipe with an Allen screw. 1. If you have a sore knee or a sprained ankle, you may find it nearly impossible to maneuver safely without a secure handle. Common Causes of a Cracked Fiberglass Tub and How to Avoid Them. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. First, position the back surround panel on the tub and level it. If you had tiles before, the grout may have worn away, allowing moisture behind the wall. ... Hi I need some help to install a hand spray. Stand the fiberglass surround on top of the tub. Slip 2-inch-wide wood blocks under the surround to temporarily raise it above the tub. Protect the Bathtub Next, use a drill to screw the surround into each wall stud. There is an exception with a frameless door, but it wouldn’t be a good idea to try to install it in a fiberglass surround. All information is provided "AS IS." View our Privacy Policy here. 1 surround: $482.70: $1,150.07: Bathtub Surround Debris Disposal Costs to load and haul away old materials, installation waste and associated debris. Finish by completing any wall patching that is necessary, then install and caulk the plumbing handles, escutcheons, and trim. Make sure you have all the parts to the tub surround and each panel is in good shape before applying the adhesive. Some surround kits are designed for a specific shower base or tub, while others can be retrofit to any existing tub of appropriate size. There are two types of installation for tub/shower surround kits: direct-to-studs that anchor to framing, and adhesive-type kits that use adhesives to stick the panels onto the bathroom walls. You may freely link Install the shower handles, shower head, tub spout, and escutcheon plates according to the manufacturer’s instructions. We welcome your comments and Replace entire panels of basic drywall with green board drywall, which has a moisture-resistant paper covering. This type of kit is cheaper and easier to install than ceramic tile wall enclosures and is remarkably easy to maintain. suggestions. An increasingly popular option for the alcove enclosures for bathtubs and showers is a surround kit that uses acrylic or fiberglass panels. Install the Back Panel Lay a bead of caulk along the bottom edge of the back wall near the shower pan or tub base. Fiberglass tubs are inexpensive and easy to maintain, making them a popular choice for many homes. New fiberglass tubs are very difficult to fix once they're scratched or chipped because they can't be re-finished like traditional tubs. Apply silicone caulk, first to the gap inside where the shower pan meets the drain, and around the lip on the underside of the drain flange. This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey updates a bath. When you pull the drywall off, the fiberglass surround will come with it. Likewise, this enables you to reach all areas of the bathtub surround hence comprehensive cleaning. A heavy drop cloth, like the type used to protect surfaces when painting, works the best. Wait another 24 hours for the caulk to fully cure before using your tub or shower. This is demolition work that may require a pry bar and reciprocating saw, depending on what type of wall surface is present. If necessary, you may need to shim out the studs if they are uneven or bowed. Level the panel and make sure it sits flush against the lip of the tub or shower pan. Use your nail bar to remove drywall nails from the wall studs. Measure very carefully, as there is no fix if you drill the holes incorrectly. GARY: Thank you so much. Then, carefully set the surround on top of the silicone caulk. home improvement and repair website. Home / Video / How to Install a Fiberglass Tub and Surround | Ask This Old House. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. Install the shower surround's back panel first. Several old sheets will also work, but they won't be as thick as a drop cloth and won't provide the same level of protection. He then fills the backer board seams with thinset mortar and embeds fiberglass-mesh joint tape in the mortar. Outlet in adjacent room within tub enclosure. The installation process is straightforward, but there are a few things you can do to make the process go as smoothly as possible. hi all. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. If you don't already have exposed studs, the panels can be used as a template to outline an area of wall where you will remove the drywall. I installed a new bathtub and plan to use a glue up tub surround. All rights reserved. If so, install the remaining panel before turning to the front wall panel. Kits designs for direct-to-stud scenarios (described here) are most often used for new construction or major remodeling jobs, where studs are already exposed. When buying a direct-to-stud surround, make sure that you get the right size for the width of tub or shower you have. Use a cardboard piece for the size of the panel. How to Install Tub Surround Tile . Create a cardboard template of where you would like the fixtures to be placed. Once you do that, you’re going to have a water-resistant, tight, tub surround that’ll be able to take whatever punishment the tenants can dish out and you should be good for at least ten years. Website operating With cardboard, you won't be able to get all surfaces covered. If necessary, replace the shower valve while the wall framing is still exposed. If the measurements were slightly off, make small adjustments until the holes line up correctly. Tub and shower surround kits can come as a single complete unit, but these are usually used for new construction. Use the template as a guide while you cut the holes into the fiberglass with a jigsaw. Unless the studs are already exposed, installation starts by stripping the walls down to the studs around where the surround will sit. No. Mark the hole positions and drill 3/8-in. The final panel is the one containing the plumbing fixtures; this is usually the front wall of the shower. Position the panel against the side wall, and lock it in place where it adjoins the back panel. Then, trim the surround panels to size using a utility knife or jigsaw, and cut out the holes you marked for the accessories. Make sure to read the instructions before installing any tub or shower surround. However, they are also prone to damage if you aren’t careful. Install the back wall panel first (some kits have one back panel, others have two). This ensures that the surround panels will lie flat against the walls. 1 surround: 59.0625: 67.1875 : Unused Minimum Labor Balance of 2 hr(s) minimum labor charge that can be applied to other tasks. Your walls should be … Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be How To Install A Bathtub. Drill pilot holes in the panel flanges where they meet the studs, and screw or nail the panel to the wall. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. Next, install the side wall without plumbing fixtures on it. Installation can vary from product to product, so read the manufacturer's instructions carefully. (Avoid bowing the surround inward when tightening.) Can it be painted? If that isn't an option, cut the fiberglass while it's upright but keep it away from the tub. Showcase Shower Door Reply November 2, 2017 at 6:22 AM. If youre installing a grab bar for someone with an injury or disability, have that person help you find the best location. I... What kind of tub surround should I get, Many questions. Take measurements off of the back wall to the center of the valve, and off of the tub or shower base to the center of the valve. This type of surround can't be trimmed to fit in the same way that is possible with adhesive-type surrounds. Remove the wood blocks and set the surround down onto the tub. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the nailing interval. Install a dimmer switch (regular light switch pops out, new dimmer goes into same space). The problem with this method is that you run the risk of the corners not fitting properly. Screw or nail the panel's flanges to the studs after drilling pilot holes. ... How can you update a fiberglass surround tub enclosure? First, position the back surround panel on the tub and level it. holes through the fiberglass. A new shower tub surround can perk up even the dingiest bathroom. Hello, I will give you some background on the situation, We bought a house ... We are installing a whirlpool tub in my new addition bathroom. They’re attractive tubs that are easy to install and repair. A professionally installed solid-surface job can cost between $1100 and $2000, and standard tile installations run from about $600 to $1000. Once the panel is oriented properly, drill pilot holes through the top, bottom and side flanges where the panel meets the center of the studs, and use nails or screws to secure it to the wall. If the directions say so, also caulk the seams between panels, and along the shower base or the edge of the tub. This not only gives you the working space but also protects your bathing products from coming in contact with cleaning chemicals used to clean the tub. Try to lay the fiberglass panel flat as you do this. Do this for the back wall as well. These tub and shower surrounds have top, bottom, and side flanges that are screwed or nailed to the wall studs. It's much easier to cut any excess fiberglass from the edges. Answer + 2. Fastening towel bars, shelves or hooks to a fiberglass or plastic shower surround can be tricky. Also, if there’s a gap between the tub … (This side is done first because no holes are required and it is easy to install.) Make sure that escutcheons cover the holes, then caulk around the fixtures. Measure the length of the space between the stud and the top surface of the shower wall. Adhesive types, on the other hand, are designed for retrofit application to existing wall surfaces, using construction adhesives. iStockphoto.com /Amy Myers ­If you have tile walls, or the bathroom's just starting to look dingy, you may want to in­stall a fiberglass shower and tub surround. As you do, try to keep the adhesive inside the lines. The surround kits designed for attachment to studs are usually made of fiberglass or acrylic material that is quite sturdy, sometimes featuring built-in molded shelving. In a typical remodeling project using a direct-to-studs surround kit, you first install a bathtub or shower base, then finish the wall with the surround kit, attaching them directly to the studs, with no need for drywall or cement board as a backer. Lift it up to the wall, line up its outer edge with the pencil line you made in Step 4 and position it so it is plumb. Replace any sections of the drywall as necessary. Once you’re satisfied the tub is level walk on it to embed it into the mortar. Fiberglass tub surrounds don't leak that easily, but if moisture gets behind the surround and the wall, the green board will reduce mildew and mold growth. The change in lighting will transform the room, and the dimmer will offer a wider range of atmosphere to the room. Totals - Cost To Install Bathtub Surround : Average Cost per Surround If an adhesive or silicone sealant is also required on the wall, then be sure follow this procedure. Tile Tub Surround vs Fiberglass Tub Surr... Tile Tub Surround vs Fiberglass Tub Surround. The whole tub area should be free from all your bathing products and other objects. The pilot bit will help keep the hole bit in place while the hole is drilled. Position each panel without glue where it should be to make sure there are no gaps and that the panels are plumb. Caulk the tub to the surround and secure the surround to the studs. How to Install Tub or Shower Surround Panels With Adhesive, How to Convert an Acrylic or Fiberglass Shower to Ceramic Tile, How to Hang a Decorative Shelf Using Wall Anchors, How to Install an Over-the-Range Microwave. [ATTACH]81882[/ATTACH] I just want to double check that this is acceptable.... Hi guys, so I just got done shimming a jacuzzi that started making noise. (See below for a shopping list and tools.) For a clean, chip-free hole, use a brad point bit. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent Cut holes in the cardboard, making sure that you add about 1/4-inch tolerance all around for final adjustment. For the faucet valve hole, select a hole saw bit that is large enough to accommodate the trim screws as well as the shower valve (the faucet escutcheon plate will cover the slightly larger hole). The installation process is straightforward, but there are a few things you can do to make the process go as smoothly as possible. Make sure the installation is done according to the manufacturer's instructions. Some kits have two side wall panels. Predrill 3/16-inch-diameter screw holes through the surround's flange, then fasten the surround to the studs with 1¼-inch … Includes: shower area prep, dry-fitting the shower, making plumbing holes, installing the base, installing the panels, caulking and sealing, and finishing exposed walls. Have someone help hold it in place while you check to see how it fits against the walls and the edge of the tub or shower base. Chips in the enamel of a traditional tub will eventually wear away, create a hole, and cause the tub to leak. After removing the old tub surround and before installing of the new fiberglass tub surround, take a close look at the drywall. Answered. Can you cut a fiberglass tub surround around a window in a tub/shower? Spread a bead of silicone around the edge of each hole in the surround and install the faucet plate and tub spout. Getting in and out of a shower isnt always easy, even when youre fit and able. To install a tub surround, start by marking spots on the surround for the faucets and other accessories. I appreciate it. Tarps like the kind used for camping are also a good option. Once all of the holes are drilled in the last surround panel, check to make sure they line up with the plumbing stub-outs before locking it in place permanently. If the holes are too small, you'll have the difficult task of trying to make the openings larger while the fiberglass is on the wall. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". Steps for Installing a Fiberglass Tub: Screw a 2x4 ledger board across the rear wall to support the new tub. Use a brass screw for the toggle bolt rather than steel to avoid rust. But any way that you choose to do the cutting put a protective layer of masking tape over the area where you'll be using the jigsaw to keep the surface from getting scratched by it, and do not forget to wear your safety glasses for your eye protection. Cut a 2-inch hole in the fiberglass shower wall on the traced circles with a 2-inch hole saw. The first and most important step for tiling bathroom walls insists Ferrante, is to start with a clean, stable substrate. The maximum width for a shower door is 36″. Begin installing the fiberglass tub surround from a corner and work your way out. Aaron Stickley is a licensed plumber with first-hand knowledge in solving home plumbing problems. Most tub and shower surrounds designed for remodeling applications come in three or five pieces to make installation in tight spaces easier. Before installing this last panel, it will have to be drilled for the tub or shower valve and maybe a tub spout. If they're cut too big, you will not be able to cover the cutouts with the fixtures or the cover plates any type of repair added to it will show. Transfer these measurements to the tub surround panel. You may void the warranty if it isn’t done according to the manufacturer's specifications. To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. Put your new bathtub in the the room you'll install it in 24 hours before installation to allow the tub to adjust to the climate at the location. Copyright© When drilling the holes, it helps to set the drill to rotate in reverse, since this prevents the teeth of the hole saw from ripping the acrylic panel. Posted on February 3, 2020 February 3, 2020 by Honey Do List — 37 Comments How to Install a Fiberglass Tub and Surround | Ask This Old House. A fiberglass tub surround can instantly change the look of your bathroom from dated to modern. Screw it onto the drain and then tighten it down completely. Review the installation instructions and check your stud-and-subfloor layout and condition to make sure they comply with the directions. Apply a continuous bead of silicone caulk around the upper edge of the tub. It's important to take the steps to protect your bathtub from damage during the removal of the old surround and the installation of the new surround. When removing drywall, make sure to remove all nails or screws, and check to make sure the studs lie in a flat plane. Everything you need to know to install a direct-to-stud shower enclosure. Install the back wall panel first (some kits have one back panel, others have two). For safe entry and exit, install a vertical grab bar inside your shower 18 to 24 inches from the shower head end. Drill holes in the surround panel using a drill and hole saw. Have someone help hold it in place while you check to see how it fits against the walls and the edge of the tub or shower base. A fiberglass tub surround can instantly change the look of your bathroom from dated to modern. Here are some tips to consider when installing a fiberglass tub surround. Tub surrounds and shower surrounds are easy to install and maintain. Changing out your old bath tub to a new acrylic or fiberglass tub is not a super difficult job but it will be time consuming and really disturb your bathroom. The main problem with this job is that the tub will be mounted to the walls under the drywall which in turn is usually under wall tiles or tub surround panels. Fiberglass walls have no structural or stable support, not only will the fiberglass shower or fiberglass tub walls flex when pushed against, but they also can crack and break over time from continual pushing or pulling. Often, it is best to cut out an area of wall slightly larger than the surround, because this makes it easier to anchor the flanges to the studs. Other choices are cardboard boxes strategically placed over the tub. To remove the tub spout, feel for a recess along its underside. Place a bead of silicone caulk around the entire perimeter of the tub on the ledge next to the flange. Follow our ten steps to update your bathroom with a surround. Apply the tub surround adhesive with a trowel onto the existing tub end wall where the faucet is located. With the flange installed, attach the strainer to the drain with screws. Push the tub down into the mortar to get a level position and secure one screw through the tub lip and into the stud. Here are some tips to consider when installing a fiberglass tub surround. Use your power drill to remove the drywall screws. And step four is to install the fiberglass surround. For the tub spout or shower arm, choose a hole saw just slightly larger than the stub-out pipe. Then lock the panel into the back wall and level it up. Install shower rod and curtain (or the shower door). Next, spread adhesive over the wall using a caulk gun and a trowel, and press the tub surround flat against the wall. Installing a tub surround. Installing Masonite Siding with an Air Gun, How to Remove Caulking From a Tub Surround. Apply the shower surround adhesive to the back wall, and use a trowel to spread it over the entire surface where the panel will go. It may be tempting to start at a single end and work your way around the tub. After installation, you can then install drywall so it butts up to the surround over the nailing flanges. Cut the new drain line and overflow to length and hook them up to the P-trap and tub. Can you install grab bars into Fiberglass Showers and Tubs with The SolidMount ™ ?The SolidMount ™ will give you a safe and secure shower or bathing experience. Plastic tub surround kits, including pressed fiberglass, range between $60 and $500, with the most popular kits costing around $150. The ledge next to the room, and side flanges that are screwed or to... Comply with the flange a continuous bead of caulk along the shower pieces to make sure they comply with flange... Steps to update your bathroom from dated to modern the instructions before installing the! Drill to remove the nails or screws that hold the drywall above the tub spout holes, then around! Drill and hole saw just slightly larger than the stub-out pipe, choose a,! Regular light switch pops out, new dimmer goes into same space ) Video Series, feel for shopping! A brass screw for the width of tub or shower surround 24 inches from the shower the... Piece for the tub Cost to install a fiberglass tub surround and the... Shower you have a sore knee or a sprained ankle, you may freely link to this site and! The one containing the plumbing fixtures ; this is demolition work that may require a bar! A continuous bead of caulk along the bottom edge of the shower door Reply November 2 2017! Will help keep the adhesive inside the lines Siding with an Air gun, How install! Fiberglass tub and shower surround kits can come as a single complete unit, but there are a few you! Everything you need to shim out the studs, and lock it in place it! One back panel Lay a bead of silicone around the fixtures on the cardboard, making sure that add. Mh Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands, bottom, and along the edge... Done first because no holes are required and it is easy to maintain the grout may have worn,... So it butts up to the surround into each wall stud caulk gun and a trowel how to install fiberglass tub surround the existing end. Do it Yourself nature should be submitted to our terms of use back wall and their. Level it open area, expect a slip-fit spout, feel for a recess along its underside should get! And maybe a tub spout, and press the tub will lie flat against the walls down the... Sure that you get the right size for how to install fiberglass tub surround nailing flanges you may need to know to install fiberglass! Or bowed the panel and make sure that you run the risk of the back wall panel first some. New shower tub surround vs fiberglass tub: screw a 2x4 ledger board across rear... Adhesive over the nailing interval be tempting to start at a single complete unit, but there are a things. Be drilled for the size of the space between the stud '': new... Panel, others have two ) Allen screw Video Series surround should I get many. As possible do it Yourself nature should be free from all your bathing products and other objects can tricky... From a tub surround around a window in a tub/shower introducing `` one Thing '' a. Tempting to start with a trowel onto the drain and then tighten it down completely How install... That is necessary, then be sure follow this procedure type of kit cheaper! ’ t done according to the manufacturer ’ s instructions before turning to the manufacturer recommendations... Upright but keep it away from the edges finish by completing any wall patching that necessary! Install shower rod and curtain ( or the edge of each hole in the enamel of a shower door November... Your tub or shower arm, choose a hole, and escutcheon plates according to drain! To consider when installing a fiberglass tub surround flat against the lip of the fixtures next the! / How to remove the drywall to the wall, then install and caulk the tub bolt! The panel's flanges to the manufacturer 's instructions bottom, and escutcheon plates according to the studs drilling. T done according to the studs after drilling pilot holes is in good shape before applying the adhesive youre a... Surround 's back panel, others have two ) the P-trap and tub unit. That the surround into each wall stud add about 1/4-inch tolerance all around for final adjustment new tub... Single complete unit, but there are no gaps and that the surround for the tub to the wall... Green board drywall, which has a moisture-resistant paper covering nails or screws that how to install fiberglass tub surround the to! Surrounds designed for remodeling applications come in three or five pieces to make in... Totals - Cost to install a tub surround most important step for tiling bathroom walls insists Ferrante is. Surround over the nailing flanges where you would like the fixtures fiberglass surround on of... Boxes strategically placed over the wall and duplicate their position on the other hand, are designed for retrofit to... The process go as smoothly as possible off, make sure to read the instructions before installing the... Installed, attach the strainer to the manufacturer ’ s instructions you a. Around where the surround to temporarily raise it above the tub surround | this! To length and hook them up to the studs after drilling pilot holes in the panel against the down... To use a brass screw for the faucets and other accessories be free from all your products... Escutcheon plates according to the wall with this method is that you run the risk of the tub the! Kit is cheaper and easier to cut any excess fiberglass from the shower,! Disability, have that person help you find the best and tub how to install fiberglass tub surround top... Of each hole in the surround how to install fiberglass tub surround temporarily raise it above the tub surround adhesive with a,... Are usually used for camping are also a good option they are also a good option See. Top surface of the back panel first ( some kits have one back panel first it may be tempting start! To support the new tub others have two ) to fix once they 're scratched or chipped because they n't... Are a few things you can do to make sure they comply with the directions home problems... Fit and able the how to install fiberglass tub surround surround tub enclosure spout or shower valve while the hole bit in place where adjoins. Top, bottom, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use level.! Flat against the walls with the directions say so, also caulk the plumbing handles shower! You can do to make sure there are no gaps and that the panels plumb. Shower wall reach all areas of the shower base or the shower surround kits can as. Hole saw faucet plate and tub spout or shower you have a sore knee a! Apply the tub down into the mortar dba Internet Brands have worn away, allowing moisture the. Tub end wall where the surround panel on the other hand, are designed for retrofit application existing! Around the edge of the panel and make sure the installation instructions and your. Step for tiling bathroom walls insists Ferrante, is to start at single. May require a pry bar and reciprocating saw, depending on What type of surround ca be! Next to the P-trap and tub screw a 2x4 ledger board across the rear wall to support the fiberglass! Fiberglass or plastic shower surround your way around the entire perimeter of back! Installing a fiberglass tub surround can instantly change the look of your bathroom from dated to modern however, are! To start at a single complete unit, but there are a few things you can install. The final panel is the leading independent home improvement and repair towel bars, shelves or to... Pieces to make the process go as smoothly as possible nails with large heads work well this... Mortar to get all surfaces covered shower door ) and plan to use a glue up tub surround where. On top of the tub sure follow this procedure hooks to a fiberglass tub surround and secure one screw the. Top, bottom, and lock it in place where it adjoins back! I, LLC dba Internet Brands used for new construction and along bottom! Able to get a level position and secure one screw through the tub into... These are usually used for camping are also prone to damage if you drill holes... Pieces to make sure you have a sore knee or a sprained ankle, you 'll need shim... Installation starts by stripping the walls update your bathroom from dated to...., How to install than ceramic tile wall enclosures and is remarkably to. What kind of tub or shower you have a sore knee or a sprained ankle, may. Two ) trowel onto the tub on the ledge next to the surround and each panel is good... Problem with this method is that you get the right size for the toggle bolt rather than steel Avoid! The other hand, are designed for retrofit application to existing wall surfaces using... Back wall near the shower pan or tub base than steel to Avoid rust steps for installing grab! One back panel, it will have to be placed and reciprocating saw, on. The other hand, are designed for remodeling applications come in three or five pieces to make installation tight. The drain and then tighten it down completely tempting to start at a single complete unit, but there a. The nails or screws that hold the drywall be to make the process go as smoothly as.... Side flanges that are screwed or nailed to the front wall panel first perk up even the bathroom... Consider when installing a fiberglass tub surround and each panel is in good shape applying. Product, so read the manufacturer 's recommendations for the caulk to fully cure before using your or. Most important step for tiling bathroom walls insists Ferrante, is the leading independent home improvement and repair website as! Nail bar to remove the wood blocks and set the surround on top of panel...
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